As a former teacher in the public-school system, there was never enough time to get to some of the wonderful topics we want to share with our children. Whether it's a new science discovery, an important current event, or an extension to just what happened yesterday, we as teachers, strive to incorporate any new content into our lessons. This is where awareness, empowerment, and critical thinking can inspire student learning, from preschool to high school.

One of the reasons I love public horticulture is the opportunity for new experiences. This past Saturday afforded me just that. We had a booking for a private tour for a group with visual impairments. I did my best to prepare for this unusual engagement, but in the end I was left surprised and pleased while wholly out of my depth. They taught me that bright colors are best. To say "look at your 12 o'clock" instead of "look ahead" .